11 Gujrat police personnel dismissed over misconduct

GUJRAT: District Police Officer (DPO) Faisal Shehzad has ordered the dismissal of 11 police personnel and imposed various departmental penalties on other officials during an “Ardali Room” hearing held to examine cases of misconduct, negligence and violations of departmental rules.

According to a statement issued by the Gujrat police, three police personnel were awarded the punishment of forfeiture of service, while eight others were censured for their conduct. The pay of two officials was also reduced as part of the departmental disciplinary proceedings.

In another case, a sub-inspector was demoted to the rank of assistant sub-inspector as a departmental punishment and subsequently dismissed from the police department.

The proceedings were conducted as part of the department’s internal accountability mechanism, under which cases against police officials accused of negligence in the discharge of their duties, violation of departmental rules and misuse of authority are examined.

The DPO said no police official would be allowed to escape accountability for misconduct or violation of discipline, regardless of rank or position.

He said strict departmental action would be taken against any police employee found involved in negligence, violation of departmental regulations or misuse of official authority.

The action comes amid an emphasis by the police department on strengthening internal accountability and improving professional standards among its personnel.

Mr Shehzad said the process of departmental self-accountability and strict scrutiny would continue without interruption to make Gujrat police a more disciplined, responsible, professional and public-friendly force.

He directed police officers and officials to perform their duties with honesty, integrity and professional responsibility, warning that failure to comply with departmental discipline could result in strict action.

The DPO maintained that discipline was essential for effective policing and that violations of law and departmental rules would not be tolerated.

The departmental proceedings also reflect the authority available to senior police officers to take action against personnel found guilty of misconduct after examination of their cases under the applicable disciplinary procedures.

Officials said the penalties ranged from censure and reduction in pay to forfeiture of service and dismissal, depending on the nature and circumstances of the cases.

The police statement did not provide details of the individual cases or specify the exact allegations against each of the 11 dismissed personnel. It also did not identify the officials who were awarded the different punishments.

The DPO reiterated that accountability within the police force would remain “across the board” and that officers and personnel would be expected to maintain professional standards while dealing with the public.

He said the objective of disciplinary action was not only to punish officials found guilty of misconduct but also to reinforce a culture of responsibility and discipline within the force.

Mr Shehzad further warned that police personnel who failed to perform their duties in accordance with law and departmental regulations would have to face departmental proceedings.

He said continued accountability would help improve the working environment within the force and strengthen public confidence in the police.

The DPO’s action sends a message to police officials that negligence, misuse of authority and breaches of departmental discipline could result in serious consequences, including dismissal from service.